There is no part of the world where the C. L. S. C. thermometer runs
higher than in New England, notwithstanding the current opinion as to
the general iciness of that region. The members of the circle in the six
Eastern States are as enthusiastic in their loyalty, and as ardent in
their manifestation of it, as any other section on the planet. This was
abundantly shown at the fifth session of the New England Sunday-school
Assembly, held at Framingham, Mass., from July 16 to 26, under the
direction of Rev. Dr. Vincent, assisted by Rev. A. E. Dunning and Rev. J.
L. Hurlbut, D.D. The work under the auspices of the C. L. S. C. was most
promising.
The C. L. S. C. is a circle with several centers, hence no one will
be surprised to learn that at Framingham there was more than one
headquarters. At a modest little cottage with one room, Rev. and Mrs. O.
S. Baketel conducted the business of the Circle, enrolled names, received
fees, distributed circulars, furnished badges, and answered questions
innumerable. But besides this, every class had its own headquarters,
where the class register was kept and where members met for acquaintance
and conversation. Of course the Irrepressible ’84 trimmed up its tent,
and attracted general notice; but its example was soon followed, and it
was hard to say which of the classes kept itself most prominently before
the eyes of the people.
The Round-Table was held in Normal Hall, which was crowded with members
at every session, and brilliant with badges, for at Framingham every
C. L. S. C. wears the colors of his class. At the opening Round-Table
Dr. Vincent presided, and a spicy discussion on the question “What is
Education?” was participated in by many speakers. The second meeting, in
the Superintendent’s absence, was conducted by Dr. J. L. Hurlbut, who
wrote on the blackboard the words, “What good is the C. L. S. C. doing?”
A rattling fire of answers, fifty in number, was shot off from the seats
faster than the nimble pen of the reporter could take them down. Perhaps
in some future article we may present some of them to the readers of
THE CHAUTAUQUAN, as handy arguments for use in working up an interest
in the cause. Other Round-Tables were held, alike in the enthusiasm and
the interest, though differing in their subjects. New England is a land
where everybody speaks in the town-meeting, and the Round-Table of the
C. L. S. C. is no exception to the general rule. The camp-fire was more
systematically conducted than is usual at assemblies. On the evening
appointed, each class met at its headquarters and marched to the Normal
Pavilion. Here the procession was formed in order of classes, with
the venerable veterans of ’82 in the advance, and the infants of ’88,
organized on that very day as the “Plymouth Rock Class” as last in the
line. The army, five hundred strong, marched through the darkness to a
natural amphitheater in the edge of the encampment, where a gigantic
bonfire had been already kindled. Here a circle was formed, the members
in front, and a few thousand spectators peeping over their shoulders,
and wishing that they were there. Songs were sung, and speeches were
made by representatives of each class, beginning with the youngest, for
which Rev. A. E. Dunning spoke, and ending with Rev. O. S. Baketel for
’82, after which Dr. Vincent gave a few warm, uplifting words. Then two
circles were formed, clasping hands around the dying embers. Within stood
the class of ’84, about to graduate, and around them their companions
of the other classes, all joining hands, while “Blest be the tie” was
sung with deep feeling, a prayer was offered, and the benediction was
spoken. This camp-fire was one where mirth, sentiment, thoughtfulness
and religion were mingled in happy proportions. The class anniversaries
formed a prominent feature in the Assembly. Every class had its
organization; its headquarters was a place where social reunions were in
progress nearly all the time; and in addition, each class, from ’82 to
’87, held its own anniversary, generally in Normal Hall, where speeches
were made, poems were read, histories recited, prophecies predicted,
songs sung, and the merits, general and specific, of each class in the
C. L. S. C. over all the other classes, were duly presented to its own
delight. Middle aged men and women showed all the enthusiasm of young
collegians in the _esprit du corps_ for their class organization. The
Recognition Services were attended by nearly a thousand members of the C.
L. S. C. and twice as many outside listeners. The procession, marshaled
by Prof. Sherwin and headed by Dr. Vincent, “the distinguished guests,”
and the band, marched around the grounds to the Auditorium. Here the
heroes of the day, the class of ’84, occupied the platform, while the
graduate and undergraduate classes filled the reserved seats in front.
The Commencement oration was delivered by President Julius R. Seelye, of
Amherst, on “The Power of Ideas.” He was followed by Mr. John B. Gough,
in a few remarks both witty and wise. Then Dr. Vincent, with a brief
address to the graduating class, presented the diplomas to those present,
one hundred and eighty-eight in number. We are conscious that our brief
paragraph is a cold _résumé_ of one of the most enthusiastic and glowing
services ever held in New England. We must not forget to state that the
New England C. L. S. C. have resolved to erect a Hall of Philosophy
on the topmost summit of the hill in the Assembly ground. It is to be
modeled after the classic building in St. Paul’s Grove, dear to all
Chautauquans, and will gleam from far, with its columns and white roof,
inviting the passers by to climb the heights of knowledge by the paths of
the C. L. S. C.